The recent prolonged dry spell has highlighted the risk of wildfires and the need to exercise common sense when it comes to our behaviour. It is frustrating when we see reports of some people using disposable barbeques in public places during such dry conditions. The risk from wildfires is usually lower here than in many other countries due to having fewer prolonged dry spells, but other types of fires and other emergencies where people need rescuing occur all year round.
The West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is a key part of West Sussex County Council and reducing fires from happening is an important part of their role, as well as responding to fires and other emergencies. Significantly increased investment from the Conservative-run County Council into the Fire Service in recent years is showing tangible results through the very impressive performance of the Fire Service.
This week, the Cabinet of West Sussex County Council has approved the Fire Service’s Annual Statement of Assurance 2022/23. This is an annual report of the activity of the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, showing how the service has had regard for financial, governance and operational matters over the previous year. Presented in a reader-friendly format, the report will be published shortly on the County Council’s website under its dedicated fire and rescue web pages. Do take a look.
Within the report, it’s fantastic to see measured performance going from strength to strength. Over the last three years that this matrix has been used, the performance has never been so high. Of the 29 challenging performance measures, eighteen are on or above target (green), six are just below target (amber) and five are below target (red). The on or above target measures includes response times for the first fire engine to arrive at critical fires, keeping fire casualties in accident dwelling fires for the year to a very low number, and the number of safe and well visits delivered to households with at least one vulnerability or risk factor. I congratulate everyone within our fire service for their great contribution to this successful year.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group
21st June 2023
